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Web Magazine for Mid East Performing Arts, online now for 10 years!
New Articles on www.gildedserpent.com
- 10-19-09 Naked Belly Dance in Ancient Egypt, Part 1: Are They Really Belly Dancing? by Andrea Deagon Ph.D.
The real first question is, “What is belly dance?” Many elements of the modern practice of belly dance emerged in the 20th century.
Our emphasis on the female soloist, the structure of the typical show in both the East and the West, the style of music we dance to, our costuming, our specific styles of relationship with the audience, and so on, are modern developments.
- 10-19-09 The Bellybutton Revolution, Feminism & Bellydance by Yasmina Ramzy
When I grew up and became a bellydancer, needless to say, my Mom was perplexed and wondered where she had gone wrong.
- 10-14-09 Ramadan in Cairo by Nicole
This idea of renewed religious commitment and the character of Ramadan to involve self-deprivation makes many of us westerners think that this is a somber time, but in fact there is another side to the month of Ramadan that is quite lively and exciting.
- 10-6-09 Researching Dance Origins with the Mazin Family, Photo from Pepper's Archives Part 2, Text by Pepper Alexandria with additions by Edwina Nearing
Yusuf, Khairiyya and Raja looked a Pepper’s hopeful face with the tears standing in her eyes and caved in. A private performance was arranged to take place on the flat roof of the Mazin’s
home in full costume with live musicians.
- 10-1-09 Gig Bag Check with Surreyya and Sultana, video on the CK
What does a dancer need to carry in her gig bag? Surreyya has a very special friend she carries in hers! Sultana, a leopard spotted boa constrictor enjoys being displayed for us and having a dance with her partner. Footage was filmed at Carnival of Stars in November 2008.
- 9-30-09 Tajikistan Part II: Land of Dance by Robyn Friend PhD
After a performance of daf soz (songs with frame drum accompaniment),
the musicians played maddoh, followed by raqs-i aspak (“horse dance”),
in which a man dances wearing a costume which makes it look like he is riding
a horse.
- 9-28-09 Give Credit where Credit is Due! by Dondi Simone Dahlin
However, some dancers are using the same music, costumes and choreography in their performances that they first see elsewhere. This begs the question: at what point does copying someone’s original concept or choreography cross over from homage to stealing?
- 9-27-09 Wiggles of the West: One Dancer’s Foray into Competition by Sonja
In the world of belly dancing lately, dance competitions seem to be the big thing. Love them or hate them, they are popping up all over the country, leaving one to wonder what benefit they add to our art form. In an art form as varied as Middle Eastern Dance, incorporating cultures crossing multiple borders and continents, to what standards do these competitions adhere?
Reviews
- 10-16-09 Tasting Cairo Stars in Your Home: Randa, Diana, Leila, Natasha’s Video Package- "Masters of Egyptian Choreography" Reviewed by Hana Ali
Begin with the interviews and you will benefit from an understanding of their individual teaching methods.
- 10-9-09 “Habibi, You are My What?..”DVD-
Essential Arabic for Dancers, Vol 1 reviewed by Bonita
However, I have never had such insight into the words as this DVD taught me! Now, thanks to Leyla, I have an added dimension to teach my students.
- 10-9-09 Zills: “Voice” of
Bellydance 2 CDs of Finger Cymbal Instruction: Mastering Finger Cymbals By
Mary Ellen Donald, Raqset al Sajat, An interactive CD, A Review by Bonita
A special thanks to the artists and producers who made these CDs possible, and may they individually and collectively preserve and revitalize an aspect of the dance, playing finger cymbals, that, sadly, has been withering on the vine in the community of late.
- 9-24-09 Belly Dance Novels, Light and Dark: The Belly Dancer by DeAnna Cameron, Midnight Rose by Wendy Buonaventura, Reviewed by Bonita Oteri
“The Belly Dancer” has mass marketing appeal to many women as a light, entertaining romance novel; it is a good introduction to the art form which, I believe, will even entice more than a few ladies into our classes. In contrast, “The Midnight Rose” has
a darker side and is not for the faint hearted who want to read a happily ever
after type novel.
Videos
Community Kaleidoscope
PHOTOS:Carnival of Stars festival photo samples, Hazerfan opens for Turkish pop concert, Khalilah wins Jewel of the Sierra
contest, Ramadan in Indonesia photos, Sonja's gig photos from Tennessee,
New Letters
Zorba's quest for beauty, guys in dance, Miles on Dondi's article, Surreyya re contests |
Special Advertising Section
Sharifwear! Best Prices! Top Quality! Made in the USA!!
Club, Dance Wear, Salsa Wear, Tribal Wear, Salsa Skirts, Tribal Tops, Gypsy skirts, Belly Dance Gear! Made for Divas that dance! www.sharifwear.com
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Oasis Dance Camps & Retreats with Cassandra, Denise Enan, Tamalyn
Dallal and Sahra Saeeda – 3 Stateside Locations Plus Luxor,
Egypt. Twenty-five years of intense dance training, beginner to professional. http://oasisdancecamp.com/
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$5000 in Cash Prizes at Bellydancer of the Universe Competition
February 13 & 14, 2010,Long Beach, CA USA , Valentines/ President's
Day Weekend starring Suhaila & Sadie teaching and performing both days!
10 categories for kids and adults www.bellydanceroftheuniverse.com Tonya & Atlantis
producers
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Spanish Gypsy dance meets Bellydance! New instructional DVD blending ancient traditions and modern flavor! Unleash the gyspy in your hips! Available at www.shunyatabellydance.com or at www.silviasalamanca.com
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Middle Eastern Treasures Concert, Sunday, October 25 in
Oakland, CA: Six piece Arabic music ensemble with Nazir Latouf, Oud and
vocals; members of Aswat choir; belly dances by Amira Ariana and April Faith;
Brazilian dance, Rasa Vitalia; audience dancing. Details at www.maryellendonald.com after September 21
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